Happy Kid!

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler feels overwhelmed by the pressure to be 'perfect' or seems stuck in a cycle of negativity. It is a fantastic choice for the child who feels like a 'misfit' and is struggling to navigate the complex social hierarchies of sixth grade while managing high expectations from parents. The story follows Kyle, a self-described 'depressed' kid whose mother gives him a book titled 'Happy Kid!' that mysteriously begins to give him advice tailored to his life. As Kyle follows the book's prompts, he discovers that happiness isn't about magic, but about the small choices he makes in his friendships and how he views himself. It is a humorous, relatable look at identity and self-confidence for ages 8 to 12.